MAGAZINE
A Stroll Through Kobe’s Ijinkan District and Night Views: A Luxurious 2-Day Itinerary in the Port City
Since opening its port to the world, Kobe has gracefully matured into a city where Western and Eastern cultures blend seamlessly. Nestled between the sea and the mountains, its compact layout allows visitors to explore elegant architecture, rich history, and refined...
A Night Walk Through Retro Osaka: From Tsutenkaku Tower to the Neon Lights of Namba
When people think of nighttime in Osaka, images of vibrant streets where food and entertainment collide often come to mind. Two of the most iconic areas—Shinsekai, anchored by the retro Tsutenkaku Tower, and the neon-drenched neighborhoods of Dotonbori and Namba—offer...
Osaka Gourmet Tour: Enjoying Takoyaki, Kushikatsu, and ‘Konamon’ Culture Like a Local
Osaka has long been known as “the city of kuidaore”—a place where people eat until they drop. And that title is far from an exaggeration. The city is alive with a deeply rooted, everyday food culture that remains as vibrant and heartfelt as ever. At its core is...
A Scenic Drive Around Lake Biwa: Lakeside Resort Hotels and Serene Onsen Stays
Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, offers far more than just a picturesque view. Embarking on a road trip around its shoreline reveals an ever-changing tapestry of seasonal landscapes, scenic lakefronts, historic towns, elegant resort hotels, and soothing hot...
A Traditional Boat Tour in Ōmihachiman, Shiga — A Timeless Waterside Beauty Just 30 Minutes from Kyoto
Compared to the bustling tourist destinations of Kyoto or Osaka, Shiga Prefecture may seem modest in its presence. Yet nestled on the shores of Lake Biwa, the town of Ōmihachiman offers a quiet harmony of history and nature that deeply resonates with those who visit....
A Tranquil Nara Evening: Sunset Over Mount Wakakusa and Moments with the Deer
When visiting Nara, don’t limit your experience to daytime sightseeing alone—take time to savor the serenity that settles in after sunset. One of the most tranquil and enchanting spots, known to those in the know, is Mount Wakakusa, which rises gently behind the famed...
Beyond Nara Park and Todai-ji: Discovering the Quiet Charms of Naramachi on Foot
When most people think of Nara, they envision the towering Great Buddha of Todai-ji and the freely roaming deer of Nara Park—both awe-inspiring in their own right. But to truly experience the soul of the city, one should take time to wander through Naramachi, a...
A People Who Cherish the Seasons: The Subtle Beauty of Hanami and Momijigari Traditions
Since ancient times, the Japanese have embraced the changing rhythms of nature, weaving its beauty into the fabric of everyday life and culture. Among the most cherished expressions of this sensibility are hanami (flower viewing) and momijigari (autumn leaf...
Beyond Kiyomizu and Gion: A Journey Through the Seasons on the Arashiyama & Sagano Scenic Railway
When people think of Kyoto, images of Kiyomizu-dera and Gion often come to mind. Yet the city’s deeper charm lies beyond the tourist trails—in places where the pace slows, and the seasons speak through the landscape. Just a short journey from the city center, the...
Kyoto’s True Essence Lies Beyond the Tourist Spots｜A 4-Day Itinerary for the Culturally Savvy
When people think of Kyoto, iconic sites like Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari Taisha often come to mind. Yet the city’s true essence lies not in its famous landmarks, but in the quiet rhythms of daily life that unfold just beyond the tourist trail. A...
Kanazawa in 2 Nights: Art at the 21st Century Museum & Tradition in Higashi Chaya via Hokuriku Shinkansen
Kanazawa, located in Ishikawa Prefecture, is a castle town where tradition and modernity exist in perfect harmony. Its preserved Edo-era streetscapes and cutting-edge contemporary art museums offer visitors the rare experience of walking between centuries. Just 2.5...
A Weekend Getaway: Hidden Hot Springs Just One Hour from Nagoya
Step just slightly beyond the bustle of the city, and you’ll find yourself in a world of deep calm and quiet rejuvenation. Within an hour’s journey from Nagoya—by car or train—lie secluded onsen (hot springs) that remain largely unknown to the mainstream. These hidden...
An Elegant Retreat: Unwind with Eel Cuisine and Hot Springs at Lake Hamana
Spanning the western region of Shizuoka Prefecture, Lake Hamana is a brackish lake with a unique landscape and ecosystem. Surrounded by lush nature, refined cuisine, and soothing hot springs, it is celebrated as a sanctuary of relaxation and renewal. Conveniently...
A Journey Through the Historic Streets of Takayama and the Gassho-Zukuri Villages of Shirakawa-go
Nestled in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, the towns of Takayama and Shirakawa-go have captivated both domestic and international travelers with their deep-rooted traditions and timeless charm. Takayama’s preserved Edo-era streets and the UNESCO-listed...
The Ultimate Nagoya Gourmet Guide: Exploring the Home of Hitsumabushi, Miso Katsu, and Tebasaki
Situated in the very center of Japan, Nagoya is widely recognized as a major hub for tourism and business. Yet beyond its metropolitan appeal lies a rich, distinctive food culture that sets it apart from other Japanese cities. Among its many culinary specialties,...